Captain America and Tony almost thought Peter had gone mad.
But as Peter laid out the complete plan and his speculations regarding the high-level government officials, they gradually began to calm down.
"Based on my understanding of those politicians, it's indeed possible they'd pull such a ridiculous stunt," Tony said, rubbing his chin, clearly convinced of and validating Peter's claims and plan.
Captain America, on the other hand, had his brow tightly furrowed; this Old Popsicle's mindset was quite simple.
At this moment, only one thought occupied his mind—can people really be wicked to such an extent?
"I'll maintain a wait-and-see attitude on this."
After a long silence, Captain America spoke with difficulty:
"I don't believe those people could be stupid to that degree... Of course, if all of this unfortunately does happen, then I am willing to unconditionally accept the tasks you assign to me."
Hearing this, Peter didn't press him, merely offering Captain America an enigmatic smile:
"In that case, let's just wait and see."
...
The following afternoon, the White House, TV Broadcasting Hall.
The studio was brightly lit, but the atmosphere felt somewhat eerie.
The host wore a professional smile, but deep in his eyes lurked a trace of contempt and mockery that was hard to hide.
The audience below was the same; rather than attending an interview, it felt more like they were there to watch a circus performance.
And the sole protagonist of this performance was none other than 'Arbitrator' in his dark gold skull Battle Suit—Peter Parker.
The production team had clearly 'put in effort'; they hadn't made this episode a serious news interview, but instead arranged it like a midnight variety show.
Multicolored lights swept across Peter's Battle Suit repeatedly, making Arbitrator, who should have been full of mystery and majesty, look like a cheap cosplayer.
To ruin Peter's reputation, the politicians simply manipulated all official and unofficial TV stations to force the broadcast of this live stream.
"We interrupt with an emergency news flash. New York's famous masked hero, 'Arbitrator,' will make an official statement regarding the commotion that occurred at Times Square yesterday."
The host opened with an exaggerated tone, and the on-site cameras immediately focused on Peter, causing viewers across the country watching their TVs to be momentarily stunned.
Arbitrator was actually accepting an official interview!
"Mr. Arbitrator," after some brief pleasantries, the host leaned forward, putting on a concerned facade,
"We've all heard the warning you spread at Times Square about a 'future crisis.' Could you tell us why you did that?"
Hearing this, Peter looked up and, through the skull mask, spoke in an incredibly solemn tone:
"Because I have seen a future where the New York of another Universe was destroyed!"
Over the next while, Peter began to earnestly recount how he traveled through time and space, how he saw the Spider-Man of that Universe die a tragic death at the hands of the The Inheritors, and how he saw that Universe destroyed by the terrifying power of those The Inheritors.
Finally, Peter concluded:
"Everything that happened yesterday was indeed a misunderstanding. I don't know why those damned The Inheritors didn't follow immediately.
Perhaps they haven't discovered our Universe yet, or perhaps we are protected by some kind of rules.
But I can say with certainty that danger could descend at any moment—maybe tomorrow, maybe in a week, or a month... This is a grueling war, and all of us must be prepared."
His voice wasn't loud, but it was full of power, as if he were recounting a nightmare he had personally experienced.
The entire studio gradually fell silent.
The mockery and disdain on people's faces unconsciously softened significantly under Peter's infectious narrative.
However, just as the atmosphere was becoming heavy, the host suddenly laughed and interjected:
"Wow, that sounds... absolutely thrilling! I mean... you know, even a James Cameron Hollywood blockbuster wouldn't have something so exaggerated!"
His words instantly shattered the serious atmosphere Peter had just built.
The 'audience' members in the studio also burst into fits of laughter.
The atmosphere on-site and in front of the televisions instantly became lighthearted and humorous. Some viewers watching at home couldn't help but roast him:
"Parallel Universes? A Spider Army? Is this guy high?"
"I seriously suspect this guy touched some illegal substances during the half-month he disappeared, otherwise how could he say such ridiculous things?"
"Time travel + Vampire family war against the Spider Army, this is just too far-fetched!"
It had been too long since the Hulk and Abomination incident, so long that many people had forgotten the terror of that battle.
They had forgotten how dangerous this World truly was.
Now, with the host setting the pace, many people subconsciously rejected Peter in their hearts.
In the time that followed, similar situations repeated over and over.
Peter warned the public to be careful with a serious face, but no matter what he said, it would be deconstructed by the host's humorous remarks, twisting the World-ending crisis he spoke of into an unrealistic joke.
To avoid suspicion and to help those politicians fall better into the trap he had set, Peter didn't act entirely like an idiot.
Instead, after being repeatedly interrupted by the host, he suddenly stood up in a rage and roared at him:
"Damn it, I've had enough! Do you fucking think I'm joking with you?"
As he spoke, he casually formed a Rasengan and slammed it into the long table in front of him, instantly grinding it to pieces:
"Do I need to use actual actions to tell you what kind of battle I experienced, and to show you how those civilians were crushed by those monsters as easily as squashing a bug!"
His sudden outburst startled everyone present.
The viewers in front of their TVs also subconsciously shuddered, their expressions varying.
Some fans who believed in Arbitrator became more firm in their beliefs, thinking Peter wasn't lying and that danger really was coming.
But more people subconsciously frowned, merely feeling that Peter's sudden outburst made him look like a patient with intermittent explosive disorder.
This 'I have power so I can make you listen to me' posture triggered resentment in many people.
It even led to a bit of worry and ill-will toward the community of superheroes as a whole.
If these egomaniacs with super-strength suddenly snapped one day like Arbitrator on TV, what would happen?
Once they went on a rampage, who could stop them?
While people were pondering this question, the host's trembling voice came from the television:
"Don't be angry, Mr. Arbitrator. I certainly believe what you're saying is true, but I do have a question. If, as you say, we need to establish high-tech energy defense measures sufficient to protect all of New York, or even the entire United States..."
"...This would undoubtedly require an astronomical sum of money. May I ask, where should this money come from?"
This question was like a poisoned dagger, stabbing straight at the vital point.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for Peter's answer.
Amidst such widespread expectation, Peter slowly raised his head and, in an unquestionable tone, gave the answer that was destined to ignite public opinion.
"Levy taxes on society."
"This is a crisis that concerns every single one of us, even the survival of all humanity. In the face of this catastrophe, no one can remain unaffected.
Either you pay with money, or you'll have to pay with your life!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire place erupted in an uproar!